All crimes in Washington are enumerated in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). The codes outline what a crime entails and presents sentencing guidelines for the appropriate punishment. Washington crimes are split into two categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are considered less serious offenses, and can be divided into “Simple” and “Gross” categories. Felonies are […]

The state must prove you operated a vehicle with a blood-alcohol-content (BAC) higher than .08 to convict you of driving under the influence (DUI) in Washington. A wide variety of tests can be administered by law enforcement on the field, but what is not often known is that many of the tests are not approved […]

After a DUI conviction, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or state DUI criminal court can order you to attend alcohol education and treatment programs if you are classified as a DUI offender. These programs are officially known as Mandatory Alcohol Assessment Programs. You may have heard of the assessments referred to as “Drunk Driving […]

Facing charges for DUI is no laughing matter; a DUI in Washington can follow you for life. If this is your first DUI charge, you may be interested in knowing that under Washington state laws, you may be required to install a device called an ignition interlock to drive your car if you are convicted […]

In the United States, privacy and property rights are deeply valued. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants each citizen the right to be “secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects” against unreasonable searches and seizures. In order for police officers to search your home or property, they are usually required to present […]

Receiving a DUI in Washington is a daunting experience you won’t soon forget. A DUI conviction carries severe consequences that stay with you for the rest of your life. This criminal conviction can set you back when you are applying to jobs or even looking for housing. For a chance at having your charges dropped […]

Most Washington residents know that consequences for driving under the influence of drugs and/ or alcohol are severe in this state, yet few people know the actual intake process you may face if you find yourself in these unpleasant circumstances. At the time of the stop, a police officer asks several questions and conducts sobriety […]

Medical marijuana has proved helpful to treat a variety of conditions. From helping patients battling cancer experience fewer side effects from chemotherapy, to helping ease chronic pain and muscle spasms, patients throughout the country are receiving medicinal cannabis as a further option for treatment. Along with Alaska and Oregon, Washington State first passed laws permitting […]

There are many ways you can lose your driver’s license in Washington State. Several violations can lead to a license suspension or revocation, and they are not always related to driving. Washington has no set guidelines for when a license should be revoked or suspended; judges use their discretion to decide which action to take. […]

In America, driving is a privilege that most people rely upon to navigate daily life. There are about 214 million licensed drivers in the US, of which 5.4 million reside in Washington. While the majority of citizens use private vehicles for transportation, thousands of driving privileges are taken away daily. There are many reasons that […]